The “disease” of violence against health-care workers is a wicked problem. Managing and preventing violence in health-care

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alycia Jacob ◽  
Damhnat McCann ◽  
Penny Buykx ◽  
Brodie Thomas ◽  
Evelien Spelten ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Violence Prevention ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Disciplinary Action ◽  
Wicked Problem ◽  
Health Care Staff ◽  
Violent Behaviour ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Care Workers

Purpose This paper aims to illustrate the complexity of understanding and managing violent behaviour in health care. The authors will show how different perceptions of the reasons for violent behaviour, and linkages between violent behaviour and illness have contributed to the creation of a wicked problem and added significant complexity to the management of violence towards staff within health-care settings. This paper will conclude with a call for strong multi-disciplinary action to address this ongoing issue. Design/methodology/approach A narrative review was undertaken to explore the ways that violence has been perceived in health care and the ways in which the concept of violence has moved from being seen as a criminal issue to being within the realms of disease. This paper will show the importance of understanding who is perpetrating violence in health care, why and in what settings. It will expound on the idea that considering violence as a consequence of disease necessarily adds a layer of complexity to both individual and organisational responses to violence towards health-care staff. Findings Understanding the complexity in preventing and managing violence against health-care staff can assist policymakers and managers to develop multi-faceted approaches to violence prevention, including better recognition and understanding of perpetrators of violence. Originality/value This paper provides a unique perspective on thinking about violence in health care and the implications of its complexity.

scholarly journals Letter to the Editor: Burnout Management among Health Care Workers in the Age of Coronavirus Disease-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (E) ◽  
pp. 382-385
Author(s):  
Mohsen Khosravi ◽  
Alireza Ganjali
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Warning Signs ◽  
Burnout Syndrome ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Health Care Staff ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Care Workers

AIM: We aimed to understand the early warning signs and symptoms of occupational burnout as red flags among health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Based on the suggestions of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies [8], health-care providers need to be trained to increase three components of resilience across the three levels of individual, team, and organization so that they can optimally manage their psychological responses to catastrophes. RESULTS: It seems that both targeted individual and organizational strategies are critical for the overall wellness of health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: Health care workers experience high levels of burnout during the COVID-19, which warrants attention and support from health policy-makers and practitioners. Current evidence demonstrated that health-care staff could gain significant benefits from interventions to modify burnout syndrome, especially from organization-directed interventions.

scholarly journals New Surgical Practice During COVID 19

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (05) ◽  
pp. 614-618
Author(s):  
Mohammad Sohail Asghar ◽  
Hafiz Syed Zaigham Ali Shah ◽  
Hamna Khan ◽  
Aima Zahid ◽  
Hammad Zia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Health Care Staff ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Medical Teams ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Spread Of Infection ◽  
Transmission Of Disease

A sequence of pneumonia-causing diseases from the Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) appeared in Wuhan, Hubei, China in December 2019. The outbreak of COVID-19 spread quite rapidly. Just as we write this report, almost two and a half million verified cases were reported globally, and almost 180,000 people died.1 Experience from China reveals that COVID-19 outbreaks can be brought under control within 3 months, with highly efficient touch tracking and case isolation.2 Healthcare staff are at the forefront of treatment for COVID-19 cases and have a very large chance of exposure to the infection.3 Cuts in disposable gear and COVID-19 awareness are triggering infections in healthcare workers.4 As of February 11, 2020, China has contaminated more than 1,700 health-care workers. In Italy, 2026 (9 percent) of the COVID-19 incidents happened in healthcare professionals (as of March 15).5 But, 31 medical teams containing more than 42,000 nurses and doctors sent by the Hubei from other provinces did not have a reported infection. It indicates that sufficient information about the transmission of disease and the use of protective equipment and procedures to manage infections is necessary to avoid the spread of infection among health care staff.

Mental illness among NHS health care workers: a survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 129-135
Author(s):  
Simon Sherring
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Health Care Staff ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Causal Explanations ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Evil Spirits

The literature suggests that mental illness among UK health care staff is common. This study reports health care workers' knowledge and experience of mental illness. Medical staff, administration staff and other staff members employed in four NHS Trusts (n=2073) responded to a questionnaire survey. A proportion of health care workers in the NHS reported having personal (colleagues, family and self) experience of mental illness. Some health care workers held causal explanations of mental illness that are not evidence based. This study found that almost half of health care workers reported experiencing a mental illness, which could have significant implications for service delivery. Some health care workers held causal explanations of mental illness that were not evidence based; for example, some respondents reported that demonic possession or possession by evil spirits was a very good explanation for mental illness.

scholarly journals Exploring health care workers’ perceptions and experiences of communication with ethnic minority elders

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 180-190
Author(s):  
Gloria Likupe ◽  
Carol Baxter ◽  
Mohamed Jogi
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Older People ◽  
Ethnic Minority ◽  
Ethnic Minorities ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Care Provision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Care Workers

Purpose There is a recognition in Europe and in the western world of a demographic shift in the ageing population. While the overall ageing of the general population is growing, the numbers of immigrants getting old in their host countries is also increasing, thereby increasing the racial and ethnic proportion of older people in these countries. This changing landscape calls for understanding of issues related to health care provision, policy and research regarding ethnic minorities. Communication is seen as a key factor in understanding the needs of ethnic minority elders (EMEs). The purpose of this paper is to explore health care workers’ (HCWs) perceptions and experiences of communication with EMEs. In this paper the term HCW includes qualified nurses and health care assistants. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive qualitative study design using semi-structured interviews was employed. Ten HCWs, who had ethnic minorities in their care were individually interviewed to explore their perceptions and experiences of communication when caring for EMEs. Findings Analysis of data revealed that in common with all older people, EMEs experience stereotyped attitudes and difficulties in communication. However, EMEs face particular challenges, including cultural differences, different language and stereotyping of care based on misunderstood needs of EMEs. Facilitators of communication included appropriate training of HCWs and appropriate use of interpreters. Research limitations/implications Only homes willing to take part in the study gave permission for their staff to be interviewed. In addition, the HCWs came from various settings. Therefore, views of staff in homes who did not give permission may not be represented. Practical implications The diversity of older people needing care in nursing homes and the community calls for training in culturally competent communication for effective provision care provision for EMEs. Originality/value Training of health care staff in culturally appropriate communication requires effective practice.

Commentary on “Factors influencing the quality of care learning disabled patients receive in hospital”

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-96
Author(s):  
Tricia Handley
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Learning Disabled ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Health Care Staff ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Acute Hospitals ◽  
Disabled Patients

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on Durrant’s paper “Factors influencing the quality of care learning disabled patients receive in hospital”. Design/methodology/approach The commentary identifies examples of practice in acute hospital provision consistent with the themes outlined in Durrant’s paper. Findings The themes identified in Durrant’s paper are easily recognisable. At the same time, there is a need to more fully understand the complexity of acute hospitals and to involve mainstream health-care staff in development and delivery of training on learning disability. Consideration should be given to the development of new specialist roles. Originality/value The commentary provides a practice perspective arising from wide clinical experience.

scholarly journals A Personal Respirator Specification for Health-care Workers Treating COVID-19 (PeRSo)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Elkington ◽  
Alexander Dickinson ◽  
Mark Mavrogordato ◽  
Dan Spencer ◽  
Ric Gillams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Media Coverage ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Health Care Staff ◽  
Care Workers

The SARS-CoV-2 virus infection is a rapidly spreading global pandemic. Recent media coverage has highlighted the importance of protecting health-care workers together with issues surrounding availability and suitability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Around 20% of healthcare workers treating COVID19 cases in Italy have become infected which leads to staff absence at a critical point during the pandemic, and unfortunately in some cases mortality.PPE plays a major role in control programs. Standard PPE such as N95/FFP3 facemasks have limitations such as an ineffective seal during talking or after prolonged use, face shapes which cannot be adequately fitted, and logistical issues ensuring availability of the correct mask for each person. Furthermore, global stock is low, and issues around diagnostic testing specificity and turnaround time may lead to infectious patients receiving care from health care staff who are not wearing appropriate PPE. To address acute shortcomings in PPE availability, we have developed a simple pressurised air purified respirator unit, incorporating a combination of inexpensive and widely available components parts. The prototype was developed to minimise the number and complexity of manufacturing steps with the intention that derivative versions could be developed in many different parts of the world, including low resource settings with minor modification, where transmission could be rapid amongst high population densities.The “Personal Respirator – Southampton” (PeRSo) delivers HEPA filtered air from a battery powered fan-filter assembly through a lightweight hood/face mask that can be comfortably worn for several hours. Initial user feedback provided by doctors and nurses shows the PeRSo prototype was preferred to standard N95/FFP3 masks, being more comfortable, reducing time lost placing and removing PPE between patients, and allowing better communication. Preliminary tests indicate that the device removes microbes and passes the “fit tests” widely used to evaluate face masks. Full verification of the safety and the duration of effectiveness and durability of the device is required, as part of translation into use. Rapid upscale of production is required to protect healthcare workers from infection while the global situation accelerates, so that they can look after patients during the peak of the pandemic.

scholarly journals A tribute to nurses; the front-line soldiers who are ready to sacrifice their lives in the war against COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Aurang Zeb
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Transmission Rate ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Health Care Staff ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Unique Type ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
The World ◽  
Almost All

In the late December 2019, a unique type of pneumonia was observed in Wuhan city and was reported by China Centre for Disease Control (China CDC). The pathogen was identifed on January 07, 2020 and was named as COVID-19. The COVID-19 has transmission rate more than MERS-COV and SARS-COV. The fatality rate, so far, is around 5% that is more than the common infuenza.1 According to WHO report until the end of June, 2020, there are approximately 10 million confrmed cases worldwide with total approximately 0.5 million deaths. In Pakistan alone until now there are 0.2 million confrmed cases with more than 4000 deaths.2 The whole world is affected by this pandemic psychosocially, economically and physically. To control the spread of infection almost all the countries have started lockdowns. Majority of them are following smart lockdowns where the infected cluster population is sealed only and the restrictions on economic activities are under the safety guidelines. The scientists and medical experts are trying to develop treatment and vaccine against the infection.3 Those who have already got the infections have been quarantined and those with severe symptoms are hospitalized for treatment almost all-over the world. The health care staff including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other paramedical staff are struggling for the prevention and cure of the disease. This struggle makes them on risk for getting infection by themselves. Thousands of doctors and nurses have already been affected by the infections and hundreds of them have sacrificed their lives in fighting against it. Among all the health care workers, nurses are the professionals who spent more time than the other with the patients and are directly involved in care of the infected patients. Over 20 million nurses worldwide are fighting as front-line soldiers against COVID-19 all-over the world4 and because of the unique patient facing nature of the profession, nurses are at high occupational risk in communities and hospitals.5 It would not be wrong to say that the most vulnerable professionals in this life-threatening pandemic are nurses. Nurses need to be supported by the government and non-governmental organizations by providing them safe environment and protective equipment. Their duties should be scheduled as per WHO recommendations and they need to be compensated in terms of treatment and screening test if anyone of them is suspected for the infection. Today, the health care workers are the real heroes and nurses are the front-line members of the team. The brave efforts of these frontline soldiers are acknowledged all over the world and they have been saluted.

scholarly journals Building health system responsiveness to noncommunicable diseases for Gweru District adults, Zimbabwe: a case study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Blender Muzvondiwa ◽  
Roy Batterham
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Health Care Staff ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Local Health Care

PurposeGweru District, Zimbabwe faces a major challenge of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Globally, health systems have not responded successfully to problems in prevention and management of NCDs. Despite numerous initiatives, reorienting health services has been slow in many countries. Gweru District has similar challenges. The purpose of this paper is to explore what the health systems in Zimbabwe have done, and are doing to respond to increasing numbers of NCD cases in adults in the nation, especially in the district of GweruDesign/methodology/approachThe study employed a descriptive narrative review of the academic and grey literature, supplemented by semi-structured key informant interviews with 14 health care staff and 30 adults living with a disease or caring for an adult with a disease in Gweru District.FindingsRespondents identified many limitations to the response in Gweru. Respondents said that screening and diagnosis cease to be helpful when it is difficult securing medications. Nearly all community respondents reported not understanding why they are not freed of the diseases, showing poor understanding of NCDs. The escalating costs and scarcity of medications have led people to lose trust in services. Government and NGO activities include diagnosis and screening, provision of health education and some medication. Health personnel mentioned gaps in transport, medication shortages, poor equipment and poor community engagement. Suggestions include: training of nurses for a greater role in screening and management of NCDs, greater resourcing, outreach activities/satellite clinics and better integration of diverse NCD policies.Research limitations/implicationsParticipant responses were greatly influenced by the current political and economic situation in Zimbabwe, so responses may reflect short-term crises rather than long-term trends.Originality/valueThis research offers an understanding of NCD strategies and their limitations from the bottom-up, lived experience perspective of local health care workers and community members.

Remarkable lives: Dave Morrison in conversation with Jerome Carson

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Morrison ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Health Care Staff ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Nursing Assistant ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Short Biography ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Dave Morrison. Design/methodology/approach In this case study, Dave provides a short biography of his background and is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings Dave has had two careers. The first as a scaffolder. The second as a nursing assistant in mental health services. He has ended up bruised and battered in both. Research limitations/implications Every case study tells a different story. The effects of stress can be cumulative. Practical implications There are many accounts of how hospitalisation has traumatised service users. Yet, working in these services can also be traumatic for the care staff. Social implications Professor Tony Butterworth used to say “Happy nurse equals happy patient”. If you look after staff needs, they will provide better care. Have we ever really looked after the needs of mental health-care staff? Originality/value Dave’s story is unique. As Nicola Adams says, “Fall down eight times, get up nine”. Dave has fallen down many more times than this. Eventually, it gets harder to get back up.

scholarly journals KlebSeq, a Diagnostic Tool for Surveillance, Detection, and Monitoring of Klebsiella pneumoniae

2016 ◽  
Vol 54 (10) ◽  
pp. 2582-2596 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolene R. Bowers ◽  
Darrin Lemmer ◽  
Jason W. Sahl ◽  
Talima Pearson ◽  
Elizabeth M. Driebe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Klebsiella Pneumoniae ◽  
Group Identification ◽  
Amplicon Sequencing ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Health Care Staff ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Content Type

Health care-acquired infections (HAIs) kill tens of thousands of people each year and add significantly to health care costs. Multidrug-resistant and epidemic strains are a large proportion of HAI agents, and multidrug-resistant strains ofKlebsiella pneumoniae, a leading HAI agent, have caused an urgent public health crisis. In the health care environment, patient colonization byK. pneumoniaeprecedes infection, and transmission via colonization leads to outbreaks. Periodic patient screening forK. pneumoniaecolonization has the potential to curb the number of HAIs. In this report, we describe the design and validation of KlebSeq, a highly informative screening tool that detectsKlebsiellaspecies and identifies clinically important strains and characteristics by using highly multiplexed amplicon sequencing without a live-culturing step. We demonstrate the utility of this tool on several complex specimen types, including urine, wound swabs and tissue, and several types of respiratory and fecal specimens, showingK. pneumoniaespecies and clonal group identification and antimicrobial resistance and virulence profiling, including capsule typing. Use of this amplicon sequencing tool to screen patients forKlebsiellacarriage could inform health care staff of the risk of infection and outbreak potential. KlebSeq also serves as a model for next-generation molecular tools for public health and health care, as expansion of this tool can be used for several other HAI agents or applications.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document